HEC Afghan Short Documentary Competition 2023

Higher Education Commission is launching a short documentary contest for Afghan students to showcase their higher education experience in Pakistan. Participants can submit their documentaries using smartphones or high-resolution cameras, either individually or in groups. The theme of the contest focuses on the educational experiences of Afghan students studying in Pakistan. The candidates will get the updates that HEC Seeks Applications for Afghan Short Documentary Competition.

Application Process

The contest will have two phases:

Phase 1: Submit a 60-second short documentary based on an original idea. Phase 2: Ten entries will be shortlisted by the jury, and the students will be notified. The students must then submit a 4 to 6-minute documentary on the theme in English, with subtitles translated into Urdu and Dari.

Technical Requirements

Technical requirements for the submissions include a horizontal format in standard HD 1280 x 720 pixels encoded in H264 .mp4 or .mov. Full HD 1920 x 1080 pixels is recommended for better viewing. The final edited product must be free from rough cuts and include closing credits with the names of the filmmakers, scriptwriter, and all participants and stakeholders.

Submissions can be sent by email to the Project Manager at Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships for Afghan Students via Google Form or through USB to the Project Director at the Human Resource Development Division, HEC, H-9, Islamabad.

Prize Money

The contest will award the following prize money:

1st Prize: Rs.70,000

2nd Prize: Rs.50,000

3rd Prize: Rs.35,000

Important dates to note:

Initial application deadline: February 21, 2023

Shortlist announcement: February 24, 2023

Final documentary submission deadline: March 10, 2023
Winner’s announcement: March 15 to 17, 2023